Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Change Tack

The great thing about starting a new project is the opportunity to approach a problem from multiple directions.

Strangely, I abandoned my favorite method of applique for the center in favor of a foundation pieced star thinking that it would, in the long run, be simpler and faster.  As part 2 came out, my approach was to fall back on fast and easy back basting applique.  I had considered piecing, but once I saw the smaller scale of this piece, that seemed like it would add a lot of seams and make the whole thing seem much heavier than necessary.  Not to mention increase the odds of lots and lots of unmatched points.

Last night I started the zig border using my usual technique.  Though not bad, I came to realize a couple things.  1)  I NEVER applique things with straight edges. I guess I never saw an advantage of using a technique that is so splendid for something curved somewhere where a 3 second pieced seam would do.  2) Starting with a straight piece of fabric would probably increase the odds of having a straight edged applique.  Seems obvious, but it took several pieces for me to make this discovery on my own.

Tonight I made several slices of my zig-zag border fabric 1" wide, from the 2.5" wide strips I'd been using last night.  Maybe I'll get lucky and my parallellagrams will actually have parallel edges.   A girl can dream.

3 comments:

Marj said...

I think you are very brave for taking on this beautiful project. I just don't have the patience for all the tiny pieces. I will enjoy watching your progress.

Wendy said...

wishing you much luck with this one...I have decided not to try my hand with all these tiny pieces...It would frustrate me to no end...

Raewyn said...

How exciting to be embarking on this wonderful project! I will be watching your progress with interest.